A malfunctioning vehicle can be a major source of frustration. Especially if you aren’t ready or properly educated on the subject of repairs.
Image credit: Witthaya Phonsawat | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Luckily, some car problems are not as serious as they may initially seem and all it takes is a little time to research the subject to become proficient.
Here are four fixes that you should be ready to do anywhere whether it is an emergency or not.
Car won’t turn-over or crank (start)
Although there are many things that can cause your vehicle to not crank, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. If the interior lights are extremely dim, this is probably due to a weak battery.
On the other hand, the vehicle’s failure to crank could also stem from a loose battery cable. To be on the safe side, drivers should keep a basic tool set in their trunk. It is also a good idea to purchase a portable jump starter.
Flat tire
Even if you own a very dependable ride, you may still experience a flat tire at some point. If you suspect that your vehicle may have a flat tire, immediately pull over into a safe area.
Although changing a flat tire is not a very difficult task, you must remember to take all of the necessary safety precautions. Do not ever attempt to change a flat tire near heavy traffic. When raising the vehicle off of the ground, make sure that the emergency jack remains stable at all times.
You should also place a road flare behind the vehicle to alert oncoming traffic.
Transmission is stuck in gear
Transmission issues can be very tricky and some people will just choose not to even mess with them. In the event that the gear shifter is stuck in park, promptly check the transmission fluid level while the engine is still running.
A low level of transmission fluid can cause your gearbox to malfunction and stick. Topping off the transmission fluid level may temporarily fix the problem for the time being but you might need to see a professional from National Transmissions to help with any issue you don’t feel comfortable tackling yourself.
Due to the fact that the transmission can be such a complicated component, it will eventually need to be inspected by a trained professional if problems persist.
Overheated engine
Engines tend to overheat more often during the summer. If you notice that your temperature gauge has started to rise towards the red zone, pull over as soon as possible.
After you have turned off the engine, patiently wait for the engine to cool off. A low coolant level is probably the cause of your problem. Remember, a cracked coolant hose can be temporarily repaired by wrapping it up with duct tape.
There is no denying the fact that a breakdown can be very stressful. Fortunately, some car problems can be quickly fixed with a little resourcefulness and proper preparation. Be ready next time you find yourself with a breakdown.
Meghan Belnap
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